ACTFL2023

LET’S MOTIVATE UNENTHUSIASTIC LEARNERS USING “NUDGES”

LOW-COST INTERVENTION

In the new normal, how could we engage unmotivated students into active and life-long learning without force? Nudging is a small low-cost intervention for inducing often positive behavior and cognitive changes without stressing students. Having access to wise advice or salient alternative options can help students to move forward in the right direction. The presenters first describe the theory of nudging in an educational setting. To promote better classroom behaviors, effective learning, and team spirit, the presenters illustrate a variety of transparent and non-transparent nudging techniques implemented in college and high school language classrooms: innovative seat arrangement, use of background music, frequent reminders with audio-visual resources, creative signage, grading goal-setting, creating own enforced deadlines, etc. They discuss how these nudging activities have positively impacted student behaviors, motivations, and engagements, especially among unmotivated students.

• Reflect on current student learning situations and examine why some students are not motivated in their learning.

• State dos and don’ts in designing nudging activities.

• Create nudging activities that could be implemented in their teaching to promote positive behaviors and cognitive changes among students without stressing them.